Mrs. Carvalho

Mrs. Carvalho was born Dublin, Ohio, but spent her childhood on a working cattle ranch outside of Westcliffe, Colorado. Mrs. Carvalho first found Ridgeview in her sophomore year of high school when she attended as a student. She graduated from the Colorado State University Honors Program with a B.S. in Microbiology. As part of her undergraduate thesis work, Mrs. Carvalho completed a fellowship with the American Society of Microbiology designing science and public health curriculum for elementary classrooms. Mrs. Carvalho began teaching at Ridgeview in 2009.

Since coming to Ridgeview, Mrs. Carvalho has served as a Teacher’s Assistant in the Kindergarten classroom, taught Algebra 1, Advanced Singapore Math, 5th Grade Core Science, 6th Grade Core Science, 7th Grade Core Science, and Biology. In 2020, Mrs. Carvalho transitioned to work full-time as the Outdoor Education Coordinator. Mrs. Carvalho is very passionate about the work Ridgeview is doing to keep kids off screens and in the outdoors. She truly believes that outdoor adventure is an important part of a wholistic, classical education.

Mrs. Carvalho has two children who have been enrolled at Ridgeview since kindergarten, and she is very grateful that they get to be a part of the school community! In her free time, Mrs. Carvalho loves camping, backpacking, climbing, skiing, and rafting with her husband and kids. When not outside, you can find her cooking up a new recipe in the kitchen or on the couch with a good book.

Q & A with Mrs. Carvalho

Where were you born and where have you lived? 

I was born in Ohio and spent most of my childhood on a ranch in Westcliffe, Colorado. 

Where did you attend university or college?

I attended Colorado State University where I majored in Microbiology. After graduating, I completed a fellowship in undergraduate teaching with the American Society of Microbiology. 

What kind of reading do you most enjoy doing?

I love to read about new research in science, the outdoors, and everything Jack Reacher.

What are the small essentials that make life more comfortable?

Espresso!! Real books with pages that turn. Sandals after a hike. Pens that grip the paper nicely.

What are your favorite snacks? 

I'm not a huge a snack person, but I do love avocados and dark chocolate.

What do you do to unwind?

I love to cook for my family and friends. I think that food is one of the best ways to spread love! When I am not cooking, I garden, hike, rock climb with my husband, play with my awesome kids, and read.

How could a parent volunteer help you most?

Chaperone a trip! We are always looking for parents who would like to be more involved with our outdoor program. Attending a trip is a great way to see what our students are learning outside.